Going On A Mission
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007
So, I am going on a mission trip. I, along with 15 or so others from my church, Genesis Metro Church in Frisco, am going to Nicaragua. We are departing on August 11 and returning August 18. We will be traveling by bus to a remote village several hours outside of the capital city of Managua. The work of the mission, in addition to spiritual ministry, will be provision of medial aid and supplies for the village. We will be accompanied by several doctors and nurses and providing dental care, vision exams, makeshift pharmacies, and even veterinary care for the men, women, children, and animals of the village.
There will be worship services and bible studies each day for the adults, and VBS-style day camps for the kids and I may have the opportunity to assist in the musical portion of the worship services.
In order to make this happen, I need to raise $1500. I have been raising my own money but have been encouraged to send support letters to friends and family. In addition, Genesis Metro Church is hosting a benefit golf tournament on June 23 to go towards the funding of all of us going on the trip. I would imagine that it goes without saying that prayer support will be required as well.
I guess I’m writing about this here, not only to make you folks aware, but just to kind of process my thoughts out loud. This is a first for me. I’ve never been on a mission trip where I am required to raise my own funding. I’ve been on 3-day house-building trips to Tijuana before when I was in Southern California…many years ago, but those were seemingly insignificant in comparison to what I am about to embark on. I wouldn’t have ever considered those true “missions” (although the I guess the folks that were blessed by a new house did). I have never traveled out of this country (unless you count Tijuana…I don’t), much less to a place where the sentiment towards American missionaries is less than fully cordial.
I have no idea what to expect. I am very excited about this opportunity but also very anxious…which I think is the prevailing feeling. As I prepare over the next few months, I am considering what I need to be thinking about, preparing myself spiritually and mentally, and getting the practical things taken care of.
For now, here’s some information for you:
If you are interested in reading my support letter and would like to considering supporting me, you can look at that here.
If you are interested in playing in the golf tournament, check out some more info about that here. Let me know if you will be signing up.
Thanks for reading this. I will post more thoughts, I’m sure, as the trip nears.